Small Walls

Program Overview

Small Walls is a program that partners local artists with businesses and property owners to paint murals or create artwork on private property that is public facing. The current initiative is a partnership between the City of Reno Arts & Culture Division and the Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA).This program is funded by the RDA and is designed to enliven downtown and surrounding districts within Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2. Spaces for murals and facade artwork should be approximately 750 to 1000 square feet (75 ft x 10 ft, for example). Larger scale murals or facade artwork may be considered, however, due to budget constraints and goals of the program, smaller walls are ideal.

Businesses are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in matching funds. Businesses are required to work with a local artist from a prequalified list supplied by the City. If you are awarded a grant, we will work with you to find an artist on the list that matches the scale and medium of the project application. Projects funded through this program must remain in place and be maintained for a minimum of two years.  

This program supports the goals of the Reno Redevelopment Agency and the new Public Art Master Plan, including: 

• Enhancing walkability and improving the visual character of priority corridors 
• Activating storefronts to reduce blight and encourage pedestrian activity 
• Reducing barriers to entry for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses 
• Supporting local artists and providing next-level opportunities 
• Bringing creative placemaking to priority areas of the city 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, properties must be located within the official boundaries of Redevelopment Area 1 or Area 2 (Map). The applicant may be either a property owner or a tenant with a valid lease or intent to lease, provided both parties submit written acknowledgement and consent. 

  Eligible commercial uses include: 

• Retail shops 
• Food and beverage establishments (cafes, restaurants, and bars) 
• Personal and professional services (barber shops, salons, studios) 
• Fitness and wellness facilities 
• Experiential concepts and creative spaces (art, coworking, games) 
• Residential and office spaces 

Ineligible properties and uses include: 

• Businesses selling primarily tobacco or marijuana, packaged alcohol, firearms, or adult-themed content 

  Eligible projects include: 

• Murals 
• Sculptural artwork attached to a facade (metal cut-outs, screening, etc.) 
• Window treatments (vinyl wraps, etc.) 

Program Funding Structure

Small Walls offers 50% matching reimbursement grants for awarded projects, up to $10,000. 

Please note that this is a reimbursement-based grant. All project costs must be incurred and paid upfront by the awardee. Funds will be reimbursed upon verified project completion and proof of payment.  

Funding is based on budget availability. Projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Applying does not guarantee funding. Only one application per business allowed. 

Sculptural work must be permitted per City of Reno building codes. Sculptural work may require engineering and structural support (footings, etc.). Artwork cannot function as signage and cannot include any logos or imagery related to the business, otherwise, it will be considered a sign and not eligible for funding. 

One mural/project per building per funding round.  

Application Process

The City will announce a call for applications through its official website, local media, and community outreach channels.  

Interested property owners or business tenants must submit a completed application form through the City’s Submittable portal. The application must include project location and proposed space, proposed budget, timeline, and general proposal for artwork (it is not necessary to have a design prepared as business owners will work with an artist to finalize artwork).  

Application Materials

1. Complete application form. 
2. Proof of parcel ownership and/or applicant (tenant) lease agreement. 
3. Signed letter acknowledging both property owner(s) and tenant agree to improvements. 
4. Photos of proposed project space. 
5. Short project proposal, not including artwork design. 
6. Project total cost—including match and grant request for matching funds. 

Evaluation Criteria

A selection committee will evaluate the applications based on the criteria below:

Public Visibility & Placemaking Impact (25 pts)

• Visibility from public right-of-way (pedestrian + vehicular) 
• Contribution to street vibrancy, safety, and identity 
• Proximity to gateways, plazas, transit, or key corridors 

Location & Context (25 pts)

• Street-level activation (primary frontage gets priority) 
• Relationship to surrounding uses (retail, plazas, river, housing) 
• Contribution to underserved or transitioning areas 

Feasibility & Readiness (25 pts)

• Property owner consent and wall condition verified 
• Realistic budget and match secured 
• Permitting and access plan identified 

Community Alignment & Longevity (25 pts)

• Property owner consent and wall condition verified 
• Realistic budget and match secured 
• Permitting and access plan identified 

Reimbursement Requirements

Selected projects will enter into a grant agreement with the City, outlining the terms and conditions of the funding. 

All projects must be in compliance with all zoning and building code requirements.  

Mural must start within 60 days of award. 

Must be completed within 180 days. 

Proof of payment to artist required for reimbursement. 

Acknowledgement to the City of Reno Arts and Culture Division and the Reno Redevelopment Agency in any media and marketing opportunities.